Injury count mounts for Cheetahs

The Cheetahs went down 25-30 to Griquas in a Currie Cup match in Bloemfontein and matters were made worse with the injury news that came out of their camp.

It was confirmed that back Malcolm Jaer broke his leg during the match against Griquas and will be out for an extended period of time.

Flyhalves Niel Marais and Fred Zeilinga will still be out for another two months with their respective injuries, while it was also confirmed that utility back Clinton Swart will be without of action for four months.

Scrumhalf Shaun Venter missed the match against Griquas with a achilles injury, but he could be fit for his team’s next match against the Blue Bulls. 

With the Cheetahs also starting the new Pro14 tournament next month, new recruits will be vital if the Cheetahs are to be competitive in two tournaments.

Meanwhile, Free State Cheetahs head coach Rory Duncan gave credit to Griquas for pulling off the upset of the season so far. 

"I don't want to take anything away from Griquas," said Duncan. "I think Griquas put on a fantastic performance. They came out and played a really good game. 

"What we did was that we allowed them in the game by giving them the momentum – allowing them to get momentum on attack and that put us on the backfoot, so I don't want to say that we lost it, but could we do better.

"I believe that we got a lot more to offer and we just have to show it in the games to come."

Duncan added: "What Griquas did really well, their ball retention was really good. Their defensive line was absolutely solid.

"We probably did not expose them enough at the back by sticking the ball over their heads. We started to do it towards the backend of the game. 

"In all phases, attack and defence, they were really good. Their accuracy was good. What they did was that they attacked us at the breakdown."

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